You want shiny, healthy hair that perfumes the air whenever you pass. With the help of essential oils, you can have just that. Hair consists primarily of keratin, a protein. Diet, stress, styling and environmental factors can damage the quality of hair and slow its growth. Many products used to keep hair appearing healthy actually cause more harm than good. Using essential oils in your natural hair care routine can restore health and vitality to your locks.
Lavender
The distinct scent of lavender, reminiscent of a Mediterranean garden, is potent in the essential oil. Lavender has more use than just the perfume, however. The essential oil has antiseptic, antibacterial and sedative properties. Lavender has a long history of use in soaps, shampoos and for its aroma. Add two to five drops of the essential oil per 4 oz. of shampoo or conditioner. Make a scalp stimulator by combining lavender in a 5-to-3 ratio with rosemary and 1 tsp vodka.
Rosemary
Perhaps best known for its use in the kitchen, rosemary also has a place in aromatherapy. Rosemary essential oil has antioxidant properties and shows up in many hair care products. Its uses include treating dandruff, hair loss, fragile hair and oily hair. It also increases shine. In most applications, use three to four drops of the oil mixed with 4 oz. of hair product. For dandruff, use up to 18 drops. Always dilute rosemary, because it may cause skin irritation if applied alone.
Geranium
Geranium essential oil shows up in hair care products primarily for its delicate floral fragrance. It does also have antiseptic and astringent activity, according to Valerie Worwood in “The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy.” Use geranium oil to condition dry-to-normal hair. Mix approximately three drops per 4 oz. for dry hair and two drops for normal hair. Include geranium oil in your hair care routine if you have brittle hair, split ends, damage from coloring or spend a lot of time in the pool or at the beach.
Thyme
Thyme essential oil contains antiseptic and antifungal properties. Use the oil in treatments for fragile hair, dandruff and hair loss. Add about five drops of thyme essential oil with 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar for a hair rinse to treat dandruff. You can use up to 10 drops in 4 oz. of shampoo for dandruff, as well. Mix three drops of thyme, lavender and rosemary with 1 tbsp. jojoba oil for a scalp massage to treat thinning hair. Before using any essential oil, check with your health care practitioner.
Photo Credit
- hair image by Dubravko Grakalic from Fotolia.com
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